Charity event helps to fund anti-violence scheme

The Adolescent and Family Group Programme is based on referrals from Bermuda Youth Counselling Services, Mirrors and the Technical Education Centre, as well as high schools.

The charity was named as one of the funding recipients of the Ross ‘Blackie’ Talbot Charity Classic. The funds will go towards the new programme.

Regional vice president Gita Blakeney-Saltus said: “For us this is a very pivotal year. The launch of our Adolescent and Family Group Programme was in response to a community need.

“Substance abuse correlates with the gang and youth violence that we are experiencing — there is no doubt an inextricable connection between drugs and violence.

“Ross Blackie Talbot have a very targeted approach in dealing with the challenges this community is facing.”

The tickets are $20 each, with prizes worth more than $120,000.

Ms Blakeney-Saltus added: “There is much work to be done, and together we can provide our children and their families with hope and healing as they struggle with the disease of addiction.”

Other recipients of Ross ‘Blackie’ Talbot funding are the Diabetes Association, the Bermuda National Trust, Raleigh International, the Ross ‘Blackie’ Talbot Education Awards and Foundation, and autism charity Tomorrow’s Voices.